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POSITION PROFILE
Position Number: 99941
Classification: Executive Level 2/(RPM 3) non-ongoing specified task 5 years
Title: Research Program Manager (RPM)
Salary: $153,776 - $172,880, plus 15.4% super
Program: Research and Development Programs
Sub Program: Fisheries
Supervisor: Chief Scientist
Security Classification: Neg Vet 1
About ACIAR
The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) is an independent agency within the Australian Government Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio. Our mission is to catalyse more productive, sustainable and resilient food and farming systems for the benefit of developing countries and Australia. We do this through brokering, funding and managing research partnerships between Australian scientists and developing countries.
Operating under the ACIAR Act 1982, we are a specialist element of Australia’s overseas development assistance program, fostering international agricultural research and development partnerships for more sustainable agricultural systems, improved livelihoods for smallholders and more resilient food systems in partner countries.
Our headquarters are in Bruce (Canberra). Further information on our current projects, programs and priorities can be found at https://aciar.gov.au
About the position
The goal of the ACIAR Fisheries Program is to improve the productivity and sustainability of fisheries and aquatic farming systems in partner countries and in Australia through international research partnerships directed at: innovative resource management approaches; the elimination of serious adverse environmental impacts arising from fishing or aquaculture practices; better utilisation of existing harvests; and the development of productive and sustainable aquatic farming systems and value chains.
The position is responsible for managing a portfolio of fisheries research and development projects commissioned by ACIAR. The projects are typically partnerships between research institutions in Australia and agencies within ACIAR's partner countries in the Indo-Pacific. We are seeking an experienced senior research leader who can further develop a substantial research program, while also contributing to ACIAR corporately by contributing to research portfolio management including peer review of ACIAR projects in other programs, contribution to scientific submissions and reviews, and membership of internal committees.
The position of Research Program Manager (RPM) is pivotal in ACIAR’s distinctive partnership brokering model of research investment in developing countries. Individual RPMs deliver scientific leadership within their own research program and disciplinary strength, and they also work collectively across programs and across the portfolio as a whole to ensure technical excellence, procedural rigour and to capture opportunities for cross-program synergies. The Fisheries RPM, as with other RPMs, is expected to mentor graduates and early career research officers and contribute to ACIAR’s research outreach and capacity building activities. The appointee will work in a small team supported by a Program Support Officer (PSO). All RPMs are accountable to ACIAR's Executive through the Chief Scientist, but also interact directly with the Chief Executive Officer on a regular basis.
Duties:
Manage ACIAR's Fisheries program and contribute to ACIAR corporate activities through the following duties:
1. Identify and assess fisheries problems and needs in developing countries, and the extent to which scientific research can contribute to solutions. Identify research priorities in consultation with the Chief Scientist and General Manager Country Programs, consistent with ACIAR’s Corporate Plan and relevant Country Strategies.
2. Develop, implement, monitor, review and evaluate a program of activities addressing fisheries priorities:
· conceiving original and innovative projects that involve research, development and capacity building in priority areas;
· assisting in brokering research partnerships and in preparing and assessing research and development proposals;
· developing the scientific and technical basis of contracts for approved projects;
· coordinating and monitoring progress of implementation of the projects by collaborating agencies; and
· analysing and evaluating the results of research in programs and projects, and identifying extension and outreach initiatives.
3. Maximise the potential contribution of project findings to the solution of identified technical problems by facilitating the appropriate communication of the results of ACIAR projects in consultation and collaboration with the ACIAR Outreach team. As appropriate, represent ACIAR at international seminars and workshops to promote research findings.
4. Advise the ACIAR executive and other agencies on matters relating to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management and policy, maintain effective liaison and communication with ACIAR's research partners and stakeholders, and represent ACIAR as required.
5. Manage the Fisheries Program procurement processes, budgeting, financial management and reporting in accordance with ACIAR policies, procedures and systems.
6. Contribute to activities in the ACIAR research portfolio, including peer review of ACIAR projects, contribution to submissions and reviews, and contribution to internal committees.
7. Supervise and mentor program support staff, graduates and early career research officers in accordance with ACIAR’s Certified Agreement, Government policy and overarching legislation.
8. Contribute to the corporate development of ACIAR by assisting in the induction, training and mentoring of staff and participation in broader corporate activities.
April 2017
SELECTION CRITERIA
Executive Level 2/Research Program Manager 3
Fisheries Program
Position No: 99941
1. Postgraduate qualifications in a field relevant to fisheries or fisheries production.
2. Demonstrated track record of high level achievement, experience and reputation in fisheries research in Australia and internationally, preferably in managing both capture fisheries and aquaculture research and development programs.
3. Ability to develop and promote a strategic vision for the program area in accord with ACIAR’s research priorities, the needs of partner countries and the Australian Government aid program.
4. High level of achievement and experience in research program management. This will include evidence of the ability to:
· develop and maintain productive working relationships with research and development providers;
· develop project proposals taking into account a range of issues, including those outside the scientific discipline;
· implement, monitor, evaluate and report on progress of approved projects;
· effectively manage financial resources;
· and provide logical, unambiguous and sensitive feedback to project proponents.
5. Demonstrated capacity to represent ACIAR and to communicate with national and international stakeholders at highest management levels in government and scientific agencies, with sensitivity to cross-cultural issues. This will include evidence of well-developed oral and written communication skills, and contribution to effective outreach and capacity-building programs.
6. Ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with ACIAR colleagues (especially fellow RPMs and research management staff) by participating in broader organisational activities and maximising benefits of collegiate collaboration on cross-program projects and issues. Excellent interpersonal skills, including good networking and influencing skills.
7. Proven capacity to work in a small inter-disciplinary team and to effectively supervise staff.
8. A client orientation and proven commitment to, and experience in, the transfer and adoption of the results of research.
Highly Desirable
9. Developing country experience, especially in SE Asia, the Pacific and Papua New Guinea.
10. Experience in developing and executing private–public sector research partnerships and in fostering the involvement of commercial organisations in agricultural research and development.
Please note: the successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a national security clearance.
April 2017
NB: All ACIAR employees demonstrate a commitment to the APS Code of Conduct and Values, as well as to workplace diversity and work health and safety. It is also expected that ACIAR employees will have appropriate cross-cultural sensitivities.